Movers & Shakers July 13, 2010

Comic artist signing autographs Wednesday

Marvel Comics artist Clayton Crain will be at Lightning Comics & Games from noon to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday to sign free autographs.

Crain is the artist for X-Force and X-Men.

Lightning Comics is in the Northern Lights Mall at 411 W. Haycraft Ave.

NIHN receives

new accreditation

North Idaho Health Network has been awarded Health Provider Credentialing Accreditation from URAC, a Washington, D.C.-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry. North Idaho Health Network is the only organization in the state of Idaho to be URAC accredited for provider credentialing. URAC's Health Provider Credentialing Accreditation ensures that North Idaho Health Network has verified the education, training, liability record and practice history of its providers. The accreditation provides important information for consumers and employers in the selection of their health plans and care providers.

"North Idaho Health Network is honored to receive URAC Health Provider Credentialing Accreditation," said Donald Chisholm, M.D., North Idaho Health Network president. "We are very pleased to be recognized in the industry for our commitment to quality and accountability. Such a distinction also underscores our mission to be: the trusted, local health resource."

"By applying for and receiving URAC Health Provider Credentialing Accreditation, North Idaho Health Network has demonstrated a commitment to quality health care," said Alan P. Spielman, URAC president and CEO. "Quality health care is crucial to our nation's welfare and it is important to have organizations that are willing to measure themselves against national standards and undergo rigorous evaluation by an independent accrediting body."

URAC's Health Provider Credentialing Accreditation standards address approaches to ensuring appropriate patient protections have been established, such as policies for confidentiality of patient information, dispute resolution and other issues. The standards cover organizational structure, regulatory compliance, oversight of delegated functions, quality management, and the health provider credentialing process.

URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, is a leader in promoting health care quality through accreditation and certification programs. URAC's standards keep pace with the rapid changes in the health care system, and provide a mark of distinction for health care organizations to demonstrate their commitment to quality and accountability. Through its broad-based governance structure and an inclusive standards development process, URAC ensures that all stakeholders are represented in setting meaningful standards for the health care industry.

For more information about URAC, visit www.urac.org.

If you have a new, relocated or expanded business, or announcement of events, promotions or awards, The Press wants to let our readers know. The service is free and items run Tuesday through Saturday. To get the word on the street on your movers and shakers, call city editor Bill Buley at 664-8176 Ext. 2016 or e-mail [email protected].